Operations Manager for Moves

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the Moves Service and associated specialist housing assessment functions, ensuring the effective delivery of initiatives that maximise movement across the Housing Register and make best use of available housing stock.

The postholder will be responsible for leading multi-disciplinary teams delivering housing mobility, mutual exchange, overcrowding and under-occupation programmes, alongside specialist assessment activities that support housing decisions. The role will drive operational performance, service improvement, customer satisfaction and compliance with housing legislation, policy and regulatory requirements.

As a senior operational leader, the postholder will manage a large workforce of directly employed, agency and partner staff, developing productive partnerships and ensuring the delivery of efficient, customer-focused and outcome-driven housing services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Moves Service and associated specialist assessment functions.
  
• Develop and deliver strategies and initiatives that increase movement within the Housing Register.
  
• Maximise rehousing opportunities through:
  • Mutual Exchange schemes
    
  • Under-Occupation programmes
    
  • Overcrowding initiatives
    
  • Downsizing incentives
    
  • Specialist housing mobility schemes
    
• Oversee specialist assessment services that support housing and rehousing decisions.
  
• Manage operational performance, service standards and customer outcomes across multiple teams.
  
• Lead, motivate and develop a workforce of up to 50 employees, including remote, off-site, agency and partner staff.
  
• Provide leadership, supervision, performance management and professional development support to managers and staff.
  
• Ensure compliance with housing legislation, allocation policies, safeguarding responsibilities and corporate procedures.
  
• Monitor service performance, KPIs, demand trends and operational risks.
  
• Identify opportunities for service improvement, innovation and efficiency savings.
  
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with:
  • Housing Associations
    
  • Registered Providers
    
  • Local Authority services
    
  • Community organisations
    
  • Health and social care partners
    
• Support the effective allocation and utilisation of housing stock.
  
• Oversee the management of complex housing cases and specialist assessments.
  
• Ensure customers receive high-quality advice, support and housing-related services.
  
• Lead service transformation, business improvement and change management initiatives.
  
• Manage service resources, budgets and staffing requirements effectively.
  
• Produce performance reports, service updates and business intelligence for senior management.
  
• Represent the service at internal meetings, partnership forums and stakeholder meetings.
  
• Ensure robust governance, quality assurance and risk management arrangements are in place.
  
• Contribute to strategic housing objectives and wider organisational priorities.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Significant management experience within Housing Services, Housing Allocations, Housing Needs, Housing Management or a related housing environment.
  
• Experience managing large operational teams within a complex organisation.
  
• Experience leading service improvement, transformation or change programmes.
  
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Housing Allocations
    
  • Housing Mobility Schemes
    
  • Housing Register Management
    
  • Mutual Exchange Processes
    
  • Overcrowding and Under-Occupation Initiatives
    
  • Housing Legislation and Regulatory Requirements
    
• Experience managing performance, budgets and operational service delivery.
  
• Strong leadership, coaching and people management skills.
  
• Experience working with Registered Providers, Housing Associations and other housing stakeholders.
  
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Experience analysing service performance information and implementing improvements.
  
• Ability to manage complex operational issues and make sound decisions.
  
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
  
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment.
  

Desirable

• CIH Qualification or equivalent housing qualification.
  
• Management or Leadership Qualification.
  
• Experience managing specialist housing assessment services.
  
• Experience within Local Government housing services.
  
• Experience delivering housing mobility and rehousing programmes.
  
• Knowledge of housing management and allocations systems.
  
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and partnership services.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Hybrid Working
  
• Hours Per Week: 35 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments